Fifteen volunteers recently formed the Downtown Coon Rapids Group because they believe that a thriving downtown is essential to a vibrant community. The DCRG’s mission is to create a thriving downtown by nurturing business growth and improvement through increased community involvement and inclusion while being mindful of the past and focusing on the future. To accomplish this, DCRG is spearheading a Main Street Iowa program application which is due in June.

If Coon Rapids is selected as a MSI community, we will receive guidance and technical assistance from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to promote shopping downtown, recruit new businesses, strengthen existing businesses, host retail events, rehabilitate building facades and much more. For more information about the Main Street Program, click here.

For questions, contact any DCRG members (see list to the right) or contact Coon Rapids Community Coordinator Katie Mason at 712-999-4769 (406 Main Street, Coon Rapids, IA 50058).

THE DISTRICT
Main Street Iowa focuses its efforts in a defined downtown district. The DCRG has tentatively created a Coon Rapids downtown district extending along Main Street from Seventh Avenue to Fourth Avenue north to Park Street and south to the railroad tracks with some residential homes excluded. Click here to download the tentative map.

FUNDING
The DCRG will need to form a non-profit organization to oversee the MSI program, which will rely on the generosity of donations to finance our projects. One section of the MSI application focuses on support and funding, and this is where we need your help. Not only do we need to create an annual budget, but we have to acquire three years’ worth of financial pledges to fund that budget. This will prove to the IEDA that we are committed to this program and it demonstrates community support which is a significant factor in being selected for this program.

Because it is important to generate enough funds to cover our budget needs and equally important to show support, our goal is to have 100 three-year pledges for this program. Those pledges can range from $25 to $10,000 -- every single one is important.

If you want to make a difference in keeping our local community thriving, please make a three-year pledge. At this time, we are only asking for pledges until we are designated a MSI community.Upon acceptance into the program, we will annually invoice you for the amount you pledged. Donations may be tax deductible once a Main Street Coon Rapids non-profit is formed.
To make a three-year pledge or donation to the Main Street Coon Rapids program click here.

Put your money where your heart is – pledge your support to revitalize downtown Coon Rapids. Give a lot or a little, it all adds up to building a bright future for Coon Rapids! We appreciate your support.

MAIN STREET DIRECTORMain Street Coon Rapids (MSCR) and City of Coon Rapids (City) will share the position of MSCR Executive Director/Coon Rapids Community Coordinator. This employee will report directly to the MSCR Board of Directors but as a city employee will also report to the city council. He/she will work 25 hours a week for the MSCR and 10 hours a week for the City. The salary and benefits for this position will be paid for by the City of Coon Rapids and will be similar to other development professional salaries in the area. Click here to review the job description.

CLICK HERE if you want to make a difference in keeping our local community thriving, by making a three-year pledge to help fund our Main Street Iowa Program should we be accepted. Put your money where your heart is –
pledge your support to revitalize downtown Coon Rapids. Give a lot or a
little, it all adds up to building a bright future for Coon Rapids! We
appreciate your support.